RIFProofingSM Your Career:
How To Protect
And Keep Your Job In Any EconomyAre you concerned
about the stability of either your current job or the one you hope to land?Do you wish you had
more control over your job security? Do you feel you should be doing more to
promote yourself, but you aren’t sure what? If you answered yes to any of
these questions, you won’t want to miss this session. These are the
strategies most people never consider that could mean the difference between
employment and unemployment

I. Self-Assessment
Workshop: Recognizing Talent—Before it’s Too Late!Do you really know who is
on your team? Do you have a complete picture of the true depth and
breadth of your employees’ experiences? Companies routinely let top
performers slip through their fingers because they haven’t taken the
time to understand what these people are actually contributing--or
could contribute. If you don’t help employees understand and
recognize their value, you risk losing people who may be having a
substantial positive impact on your company and bottom line. This is
an expensive mistake to make, but a relatively easy one to fix.

The goal of this workshop
is two-fold:

To encourage the
personal and professional development of employees.

To give the company a
deeper appreciation of the depth and breadth of employee
accomplishments, capabilities, and aspirations.

The second point is
particularly important because over 50% of the people I’ve surveyed
(informally) indicate that they have skills they haven’t used that could be
valuable to their company. By creating an accurate, up-to-date inventory of
experiences and accomplishments, employees will be better able to manage
their careers and position themselves for whatever is the next, logical step
in their professional development.

II. Effective Recruiting & Retention The following workshops and coaching
sessions are designed to help your company attract, recruit, and retain the
best employees. Like all sessions, these are most effective when they are
customized to meet the specific needs of your company.

A.
Interviewing for Interviewers You have 45 minutes to determine if you want a
particular person on your team. Are you making the most of it? Most people
don't. Learn strategies to ask more insightful questions and find out what
you really want to know.

B. Creating Effective Job Descriptions Most job descriptions and help wanted posting are hopelessly inadequate.
If you find yourself bombarded by applicants who are clearly not qualified,
it's even more important to take the time to craft meaningful job specs that
attract the best candidates. Learn what companies are doing wrong and how to
avoid the mistakes that make the recruiting process longer and more painful
than it should be.

C.
Employee RecognitionAre you rewarding loyal employees and keeping them
motivated? Do you know how your employees like to be rewarded? (Hint: it
isn't always about money.) Whether your goal is to set up an
Employee Incentive Plan or just find creative, low-cost ways to
recognize your employees, let's talk. Together we can create a program to
help you meet your goals.

III.
Career Change

Jumping Ladders
- The Art of Changing CareersAre you
thinking about changing careers? Have you ever thought to yourself: "I know
I'd be great if only someone would give me a chance", or "I would love that
job, but I could never make money doing that"? Have you reached the point
where the only thing you are sure of is the feeling you aren’t on the right
path? If you answered "yes" to even one of these questions, you won't want
to miss this workshop. Embarking on a career change can be one of the most
exciting and rewarding challenges anyone can face. But it isn’t for
everyone. If you want it enough and you are willing to do the hard work that
goes into repositioning yourself, you probably have what it takes to make
your dream a reality. Whether you have a specific new career in mind or not,
you will get value from Rob’s insights about what it takes to change careers
and how you can leverage the skills you have developed in seemingly
unrelated areas.

IV.
Stress Management: Keeping Your Cool When You Are Burning Inside Give your employees the tools to deal
with difficult situations. Learn techniques to keep your cool--even when
dealing with circumstances outside of your control. Unlike workshops that
focus on “softer” techniques like meditation, candles, and relaxation, this
workshop is based on Learned Optimism, neuro-linguistic programming, and
others strategies. As a result, it is well-received by right-brained and
left-brained types alike. It is a particularly helpful workshop for people
dealing with change and uncertainty.

A. What To Say About Yourself When Other People
Are Listening
Do you struggle with the concept of networking or feel you have fewer
valuable contacts than others? Have you ever watched another person’s eyes
glaze over as you attempted to describe what you do? Does the prospect of
talking with complete strangers make you mildly uncomfortable or, worse yet,
send shock waves of terror through your body? Contrary to popular belief,
networking isn’t about “working a room” or “schmoozing.” It’s a lot easier
than that. Done correctly, networking can be fun—even if you don’t consider
yourself a naturally outgoing person. You’ll leave this session
with ideas you can use immediately to build your network and reach your
goals.

B. Getting People to Call You BackLearn why so many people have trouble building relationships and what it
takes to communicate in such a way that inspires people to WANT to talk with
you. Find ways to identify and create the opportunities most people miss.

C. Creating a Winning Elevator Pitch: How to Say Who
You AreFor many, the most dreaded phrase uttered by an interviewer (or a
networking contact) is, “Tell me about yourself.” Most people have no idea
where to start. Even fewer know when and how to stop. Use this opportunity
to learn a technique you can use in interviews, at parties, in elevators, or
anywhere else you might be expected to describe who you are and what you
want to do.

I.
Marketing Yourself for the Future (NEW)
Do you feel stuck in your current position unclear what it would take ahead?
Is there something you have always wanted to do career-wise yet never had
the courage to make the change? Do you feel your efforts and ideas often go
unrewarded? Have your contributions had a financial impact on the company
that went well beyond what you received in compensation? Do you worry that
the economy or other factors beyond your control (age, race, disability,
etc.) negatively impact your ability to get ahead? Are you in between jobs
and concerned you may have to take a step back and settle for less than your
market value?

If you answered “Yes” to
even one of these questions, this is a presentation you won't want to miss.
Too often, we miss opportunities because we fail to realize the value of
what we have experienced. Or worse, we mistakenly believe the responsibility
of managing our career rests with our employer. Whether your goal is to
advance in your current company or move on to a completely different
position, Rob will share valuable tools and strategies designed to help you
identify and leverage what you have already accomplished. In addition, he
will discuss workplace trends, opportunities, and challenges that will
impact us all over the next few decades.

II.
Making the Most of Your College Years: Demonstrating Your
Leadership, and Initiative BEFORE Graduation
Do you think an internship is the only way to gain experience? Have you ever
wondered about other ways you might develop your skills while you are still
in school? If you are interested in learning what you can do to build a
track record that will impress potential employers, don’t miss this
workshop. Rob will share sound, practical strategies to help you demonstrate
leadership, resourcefulness, and initiative and, at the same time, make
yourself more marketable upon graduation. While any student could benefit,
this workshop is particularly helpful for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

III.
Packaging Your Potential: Lessons from a Job Hunter Who
Learned the Hard Way
Have you ever thought to yourself: "I know I'd be great at that job if only
someone would give me a chance", or "I would love that job, but I could
never make money doing that"? Do you ever find yourself apologizing for your
age, level of experience, or education? Are interviews uncomfortable because
you find it difficult to talk about yourself without feeling like you're
bragging? Do you wish you had a more effective Career Services office at
your school? If you answered "yes" to even one of these questions, you won't
want to miss this workshop.

IV.
Identifying and Pursuing Your Dreams
Many of us have experienced the empty feeling of uncertainty that comes with
not knowing what we want to do with the rest of our lives. In this workshop,
we’ll look at ways you can uncover your passion and turn it into a
fulfilling career. Too many people struggle in their pursuit of the “right”
career or worry that their choice of a major (or grad degree) will limit
their opportunities. It doesn’t have to be that way. The road to success is
rarely straight. This session will energize you as identify your path and
navigate the inevitable twists and turns.

V.
What to
Say About Yourself When Other People Are ListeningDo you struggle with the
concept of networking or feel you have fewer valuable contacts than others?
Does the prospect of contacting complete strangers make you mildly
uncomfortable or, worse yet, send shock waves of terror through your body?
Contrary to popular belief, networking isn’t about “working a room” or
“schmoozing.” It’s a lot easier than that. Done correctly, networking can be
fun—even if you don’t consider yourself a naturally outgoing person. You’ll
leave this workshop with ideas you can use immediately to build your network
and reach your goals.

VI.
Why Most Résumés Are Ineffective (and What You Can Do To Make
Your Résumé Stand Out)
According to surveys of hiring managers and human resource professionals,
the percentage of résumés that are EFFECTIVE is staggeringly low—between 1%
and 5%. Rob Sullivan, author of the book Getting Your Foot in the Door
When You Don’t Have a Leg to Stand On will share valuable tips and
techniques you can use to get your résumé noticed for its content. At the
same time, we’ll explore common mistakes people make and how to avoid them.
This is an especially important topic for people who have more potential
than actual experience.

VII.
Résumés Can Get Interviews, But Cover Letters Can Get JOBS!!!Do you know the single, most
important thing a cover letter can do that a résumé cannot? Don’t feel bad.
Most people don’t. In this session, you’ll hear about a woman who literally
got a job as a booking agent for bands based on her cover letter alone. The
hiring managers knew when they read her letter that she was the person they
wanted. That’s even more impressive considering the company was looking for
3-5 years of industry experience when she had none. Hear her letter. Find
out what she did. And learn to make cover letters work for you!

Schedule An Appearance
If your school, company, or group would like to schedule an appearance,
please email your name and contact information to Rob at careercraftsman dot
com. (Please write "Scheduling"
in the subject line. If you don't hear from us within 24 hours, please
resend your message--it probably means we didn't get it.)

Rob Sullivan has been instrumental in my career
development, playing a key role in two successful job moves over the past 3
years. From re-working my resume and how I viewed my strengths to coaching
me on interviewing and job offer negotiations, his help has been invaluable.
Rob was able organize and craft my complicated background into a compelling
story via my resume. I got more responses from my new resume in the first
3 weeks than I had in the prior 6 months with my old resume. Three
recent interviewers specifically commented on how much they liked my resume
and how well it answered all of their questions. One recruiter said that
mine was his favorite resume and asked if he could use it as an example when
working with other clients. He has also helped me to conduct my salary
negotiations in a straightforward and open manner that didn’t paint me into
a corner. I point all of my friends in the job market to Rob and he holds my
highest recommendation.

--John Marcos

"Rob, a big thank you! We thought it was a great
event. Just to give you a sense of things, we launched our follow up survey
to the event and the response rate and the feedback has been fantastic. The
4.82/5.00 rating you achieved was the highest overall satisfaction of the 14
events we did this year."

—Kathy Noble, Vice President University of Michigan Alumni Association

"Rob, I thoroughly enjoyed your recent seminar
at the Homer Public Library. I learned more in one evening that I did
reading the classic What Color is Your Parachute?Thanks!"

—Robert A. Harrison,
Homer Glen, IL

"As a recent graduate from Northwestern
University, I knew I carried the school name but found myself stumbling for
words during interviews. What made things worse (and ironic) was the fact
that I was a communications major interviewing for investment banking
positions. But that's where Rob came in. A few minutes into the
conversation, Rob presented in a clear fashion several major obstacles
current grads like myself go through when getting interviewed and gave key
advice on how to overcome them. Example: one of my major challenges was
learning how to tell a concise yet meaningful story on how and why I changed
course to pursue a career in finance. Although my fellow classmates
recommended reading books like the Vault Guide to Investment Banking and
WetFeet I-Banking Interview Practice -- which I did -- it was only after
speaking with Rob (he's been through countless situations like this) that I
truly felt confident in my ability to stand out amongst the competition and
land that highly coveted position. Within the course of a couple months, I
landed several interviews, flew out to several cities, and recently accepted
a great offer at a premier investment bank. I am a success story because of
Rob, and I highly recommend -- and commend -- his passion to see recent
graduates reach their full potential."

—Chris Hwang
Hanover Park, IL

"Since I saw you give
speeches 2 or 3 times during my 8 month job search, I just wanted to let you
know that your information helped me greatly in finally landing a positions
as Controller.

You are definitely a very
good, motivated, and energetic speaker who presents your ideas clearly. And
I like your style--it is much more interesting than speakers who just read
from notes or a power point presentation.

Thank you for all the great
work you do to help job seekers find new positions. You are great!"

—

Bob
DeVille
Arlington Heights, IL

"Rob, your class was excellent
and made me realize how ill-prepared I was to face the outside world."

—Tom B., Chicago, IL
Logistics Manager

"Rob's presentation was superb. It was fast
paced--I never looked at my watch; informative--I took home information I
then used; entertaining--He shared personal stories from his own life that
were truly inspiring; and the best part is that he is personable and willing
to help."

—Lisa
Maroski, Chicago
(Small Business Owner)

“Rob’s lectures and workshops have benefited my students in three primary ways:
they showed them how to develop a strategy to effectively market themselves,
improved their prospecting and interviewing skills, and inspired them to face
the challenge of a job search with enthusiasm and tenacity. Best of all, Rob’s
passion for this subject and vast array of colorful real-world examples truly
inspired my students to approach their job search like it was the opportunity of
a lifetime. Rob's charisma, sense of humor, and commanding presence in front of
a group fired up my students to the point which they were brimming with
confidence and anticipation.”

—JonathanCohen,
Instructor
International Academy of
Design
and
Technology

"Rob Sullivan offers insights for students in how to
market themselves in the best possible way. He provides examplesof how actual people have used this knowledge to
propel themselves into opportunities that fulfill their life'sdreams. Our students have commented that Rob's
wisdom and style of writing encouraged them in their own job search."

—Elly
Tucker, Career Resources Manager

University of Virginia/Charlottesville

“One of Rob’s skills is the ability to bring
about participation by the
audience, which goes well
beyond the usual Q&A segment at the end of a session of this type. He
draws on the resources of each person, thereby enriching the career
transition process and exchange of views we seek to develop.”

—Michel
Cade, Facilitator

St. Chrysostom’s Employment Council

“Not only is Robert an articulate and compelling
speaker, the substance of his presentation would be invaluable to anyone who is
looking to market themselves more appropriately in their current legal job, or
who is looking to market themselves in an entirely new field.”

—Paul Chronis, Attorney

McDermott, Will & Emery

"I loved your stories--they really make the
suggestions you are presenting come to life."

—Jeannine
Parisi

University of Virginia/Charlottesville

"This was an incredible way to demonstrate why it's
important to identify who you are and where your passions come from."

—Bill
Edwards

University of Virginia/Charlottesville

More Quotes from Seminar Participants. . .

(from anonymous evaluations)

"Rob is an awesome speaker, instructor, and
advisor."

"Excellent material presented clearly and
succinctly. Rob is a superb presenter and an excellent resource."

"Rob is a very charismatic, fun, informational
speaker/facilitator. It makes me feel much more prepared to get out there and
get a rewarding job. He provided me with the tools I need."

"Rob is a great speaker who not only gets his
point across, but also instills confidence and knowledge to people who need
it most. "

"The information provided exceeded my expectations
because it can be applied to any aspect of your life (e.g., communicating your
ideas). Overall, this was the best workshop I have ever taken. I'll use the
information immediately."

"I was completely impressed with this workshop. Not
only did it provide valuable information, but Rob did a fabulous job conveying
the information. His upbeat attitude and vast knowledge and experience in this
area made the three days fly by."

"Excellent mix of instruction, constructive
criticism, and 'group therapy.' Rob Sullivan is very enthusiastic,
supportive, and willing to spend extra time with individuals."

"I have never been more motivated than I am today! A
wonderful experience. Rob is a great trainer. He really made people feel
comfortable so we were not afraid to bring up real life issues we were
experiencing. This was a wonderful experience that I will remember forever."

"I leave the workshop with elevated confidence
that I can go out and get a job. The techniques and strategic approaches
covered in the workshop are invaluable. Thanks to Rob Sullivan,
everyone was engaged in the workshop process. It was great!"

"Rob Sullivan is awesome! The workshop would not
have met my expectations without his high energy and passion."

"Rob's seminar exceeded my expectations. It was
interactive, engaging, and provided me with creative strategies for my job
search. It also helped me think outside the "norm" regarding career options."

"Rob Sullivan is very motivational and
uplifting. He encouraged us to possibly explore different opportunities. Great
job!!"

Schedule An AppearanceIf your school, company, or group would like to schedule an
appearance, please email your name and contact information to:
rob at careercraftsman dot com.
Please write "Scheduling" in the subject line.

Rob Sullivan is a frequent and popular speaker at high schools, colleges,
universities, companies, and other groups. He speaks on a variety of
job-related topics including:

CORPORATIONS AND TRADE ASSOCIATIONS

How to attract, retain, and motivate top talent.

Interview TrainingFor
companies and job hunters

Stress Management

Sales Training

COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES, CHURCHES,
NETWORKING GROUPS, ETC.

Packaging Your
Potential:
Lessons from a job hunter who learned the hard wayA popular topic among entry-level job hunters, career-changers, and
others who have more potential than experience.

Making the most
of your college years. What you
can do
before you graduate to make yourself more attractive to future
employers.